5 Ways to Reduce Your Hydro Bill

Reducing the amount you pay monthly on your utility bills, is a good way to save some extra cash. Reducing your consumption will result in a reduction in the amount being paid, but when it comes to your Hydro bill, reducing the amount of electricity you use is sometimes easier said than done. 

Here are 5 ways to help you answer the question, how do I reduce my electricity bills?

Use LED Bulbs

Replacing your old conventional bulbs with newer LED bulbs can help cut your lighting costs by a whopping 75%, this can help reduce your overall energy bill significantly as in the average home lighting accounts for 10%-15% of the total electricity usage. LED bulbs may have a higher initial cost than standard bulbs, but when you consider a LED bulbs lifespan is 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb, that means you are buying 10 standard bulbs for a single LED. 

Properly Program Your Thermostat

Most homes have a programable thermostat if yours doesn’t, investing in a smart thermostat will instantly help reduce your energy bills. Adjusting your thermostat by just one degree can reduce energy consumption by 5%. This holds true both in the winter (1 degree lower) and summer (1 degree higher). By programing a schedule into your thermostat, you can save energy by reducing the heating and air-conditioning usage when you are not home or sleeping. This reduced usage will result in some serious savings over time.

Replace Your Air Filters

When your HVAC air filter is dirty, the system works harder to get your home to the desired temperature. By replacing your filters every 2-3 months, you ensure air can pass through the system with little resistance, ensuring your home is heated and cooled more efficiently. 

Seal Drafts Around Windows

If you feel cold air coming in from around your windows in the winter, that means warm air is also escaping. As this warm air escapes and cool air enters, your HVAC system is continuously working to try and keep your home at its set temperature, with the opposite being true in the summer. In either case, these drafts drive up your energy costs. Sealing of any drafts with weather stripping or caulking can help reduce your energy bills by eliminating this transfer of air. If you find the air is entering from around your windows because the frames are damaged or warped, you should look into window replacement options, as chances are caulking or weather-stripping will not be enough to seal off the drafts.

Unplug Any Unused Electronics

When electronics are plugged into electrical outlets they continuously use electricity, even if your electronics are powered off. By unplugging any electronics that are not used on a regular basis, you will be able to save upwards of 5% on your monthly hydro bill. If you are willing to unplug all electronics that are not in use, you can save even more.

With just a few simple adjustments you can easily reduce the amount of energy you consume in your household and be rewarded with lower utility bills.